This release seems disjointed and somewhat one dimensional.
Greek Metal band Cyanide 4 have been around since 2008 and this release is the follow-up to their 2012 debut, 'Every Day Is A Masquerade'. The band are trying hard to capture that LA Strip attitude and vibe in their music and look. In fact, even their band names are "Strip-esque"; GA Sinn (vocals/rhythm guitar), Johnyy Slut (lead guitar), Nasty George (bass) and Alex Rated (drums).
As the first few notes of 'Restless' hit, a confrontation of Metal clichés and familiar styles jump out, the heavy driving rhythm, akin to Iron Maiden, is accompanied by eighties style vocal chorusing and a lead vocal that has great tone. 'Rock 'N' Roll Hero' shows more promise and has the energy of Vega, while taking on a persona lifted straight from 'Appetite For Destruction' era Guns 'N' Roses. Lulling us into a false sense of security, 'Incinerate' starts gently before launching at breakneck speed into a flurry of powerful guitar riffs with killer driving drums and bass lines, all of which again contain many recognisable phrasings from classic eighties Metal. 'Lucky 13' and 'A Light Among Darkness' follow in a similar vein, both keeping up the pace; the latter being the likely high point of the album with its duelling guitars, great rhythms and commercial feel.
'Amphetamine Dreams' rises and falls, swapping between all out, balls-to-the-walls Rocking and cleaner, quieter passages thus maintaining the interest throughout, although the chorus could have been punchier. 'Getaway' follows, starting with an acoustic guitar piece overlaid with angelic chorusing, before gliding into a semi-Symphonic Metal opus which really works well. 'Love Me When I'm Dead' is the last track and Sinn's voice takes on a menacing James Hetfield-like timbre, showing promise for future releases; some excellent guitar solos are also to be found here too.
As a whole, Cyanide 4 have so much potential and are, individually, masters of their instruments. However, this release seems disjointed and somewhat one dimensional. The vocal is inconsistent as Sinn can really pull a great performance out of the bag, but fails to deliver on some of the other tracks. Equally, the changing between a British sound and LA Metal blurs the definition of the band; go with your convictions boys!
Paul Sabin
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